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Heart disease (coronary artery disease or CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It's the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.

Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow. When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack. Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood throughout your body. Arrhythmias are problems with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Additional Resources:

For information on What is Heart Disease  click here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120

For information on men and heart disease, click here:  http://www.cdc.gov/DHDSP/library/pdfs/fs_men_heart.pdf

For more information on African Americans and heart disease, click here:  http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1157061665970SYH_HDStrk_Repros.pdf